Absorb vs. Reabsorb — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 8, 2024
Absorb involves taking in or soaking up substances, energy, or information from the environment, whereas reabsorb specifically refers to a process where substances previously absorbed are taken back in by the system that released them.
Difference Between Absorb and Reabsorb
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Absorption is a general process where substances, energy, or information are integrated from external sources into a body or system. In contrast, reabsorption specifically deals with the recapture of substances or energy that were initially released or excreted by the same entity, commonly seen in biological or ecological systems.
In the biological context, absorb is often used to describe the initial uptake of nutrients or chemicals through organs like the skin or intestines. Reabsorb, on the other hand, is used to describe processes like the kidney's action of taking back water and nutrients into the bloodstream after they have been filtered out.
When discussing energy, absorb might refer to how materials like insulation capture heat from the environment to prevent energy loss. Conversely, reabsorb can be used in scenarios where heat or energy is recaptured and reused within a system, as seen in certain renewable energy technologies.
The concept of absorb in learning implies acquiring new knowledge or skills from one's surroundings. In a more metaphorical sense, reabsorb could describe the review or reinforcement of previously learned materials, ensuring the information remains integrated within one's cognitive structure.
Socially and culturally, to absorb can mean to assimilate or integrate new ideas, customs, or practices from different cultures. Reabsorb does not typically apply in this context, as it implies a cyclic or repetitive element that is less common in cultural assimilation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To take in or soak up substances or information
To take back in substances previously released
Contexts
Biological, physical, educational
Mainly biological, ecological
Process
Initial uptake
Recapture or second uptake
Example in Biology
Skin absorbing sunlight
Kidneys reabsorbing water
Example in Energy
Walls absorbing sound
Systems reabsorbing heat for efficiency
Compare with Definitions
Absorb
To integrate ideas or knowledge.
He absorbed the basics of the new language quickly.
Reabsorb
(Metaphorical) To reintegrate or review previously learned information.
Before the exam, students reabsorb the course material.
Absorb
To take in or soak up energy or elements from the environment.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
Reabsorb
To internally recycle or utilize previously released energy.
The system reabsorbs heat to maintain temperature.
Absorb
To reduce the impact or intensity of something.
The barrier absorbed the worst of the shock.
Reabsorb
To take back in or assimilate substances that have been excreted or secreted.
The body reabsorbs significant amounts of water in the large intestine.
Absorb
To engage or occupy wholly.
The novel absorbed her complete attention.
Reabsorb
To incorporate again into use or functionality.
The project plans were revised to reabsorb previously discarded ideas.
Absorb
To assimilate and incorporate substances or information.
The sponge absorbs water efficiently.
Reabsorb
To recover used materials for another cycle within a system.
Some advanced ecosystems reabsorb nutrients effectively.
Absorb
Take in or soak up (energy or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action
Buildings can be designed to absorb and retain heat
Steroids are absorbed into the bloodstream
Reabsorb
To absorb again.
Absorb
Take up the attention of (someone); interest greatly
She sat in an armchair, absorbed in a book
The work absorbed him and continued to make him happy
Reabsorb
To accommodate or accept again, as into a group or category
The economy cannot reabsorb all of the refugees into the workforce.
Absorb
To take (something) in through or as through pores or interstices.
Reabsorb
To undergo resorption.
Absorb
To occupy the attention, interest, or time of; engross
The problem completely absorbed her.
Reabsorb
To absorb again.
Absorb
To take up or occupy (one's time or interest, for example).
Reabsorb
To absorb again; to draw in, or imbibe, again what has been effused, extravasated, or thrown off; to swallow up again; as, to reabsorb chyle, lymph, etc.; - used esp. of fluids.
Absorb
To retain (radiation or sound, for example) wholly, without reflection or transmission.
Reabsorb
Undergo resorption
Absorb
To take in; assimilate
Immigrants who were absorbed into the social mainstream.
Absorb
To learn; acquire
"Matisse absorbed the lesson and added to it a new language of color" (Peter Plagen).
Absorb
To receive (an impulse) without echo or recoil
A fabric that absorbs sound.
A bumper that absorbs impact.
Absorb
To assume or pay for (a cost or costs).
Absorb
To endure; accommodate
Couldn't absorb the additional hardships.
Absorb
To use up; consume
The project has absorbed all of our department's resources.
Absorb
(transitive) To include so that it no longer has separate existence; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to incorporate; to assimilate; to take in and use up.
Absorb
To engulf, as in water; to swallow up.
Absorb
(transitive) To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe, like a sponge or as the lacteals of the body; to chemically take in.
Absorb
(intransitive) To be absorbed, or sucked in; to sink in.
The drops of water slowly absorbed into the dry sponge.
Absorb
To take in energy and convert it.
Heat, light, and electricity are absorbed in the substances into which they pass.
Absorb
In receiving a physical impact or vibration without recoil.
Absorb
In receiving sound energy without repercussion or echo.
Absorb
Taking in radiant energy and converting it to a different form of energy, like heat.
Absorb
(transitive) To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully.
Absorb
(transitive) To occupy or consume time.
Absorb
(transitive) To assimilate mentally.
Absorb
To assume or pay for as part of a commercial transaction.
Absorb
(transitive) To defray the costs.
Absorb
(transitive) To accept or purchase in quantity.
Absorb
To swallow up; to engulf; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to use up; to include.
The large cities absorb the wealth and fashion.
Absorb
To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe; as a sponge or as the lacteals of the body.
Absorb
To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully; as, absorbed in study or the pursuit of wealth.
Absorb
To take up by cohesive, chemical, or any molecular action, as when charcoal absorbs gases. So heat, light, and electricity are absorbed or taken up in the substances into which they pass.
That grave question which had begun to absorb the Christian mind - the marriage of the clergy.
Too long hath love engrossed Britannia's stage,And sunk to softness all our tragic rage.
Should not the sad occasion swallow upMy other cares?
And in destruction's riverEngulf and swallow those.
Absorb
Become imbued;
The liquids, light, and gases absorb
Absorb
Take up mentally;
He absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of his tribe
Absorb
Take up, as of debts or payments;
Absorb the costs for something
Absorb
Take in, also metaphorically;
The sponge absorbs water well
She drew strength from the minister's words
Absorb
Cause to become one with;
The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax
Absorb
Suck or take up or in;
A black star absorbs all matter
Absorb
Engross (oneself) fully;
He immersed himself into his studies
Absorb
Assimilate or take in;
The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society
Absorb
Engage or engross wholly;
Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely
Common Curiosities
Can absorb be used in a psychological context?
Yes, referring to the intake of information or emotional experiences.
Is reabsorb used outside of biological systems?
Less commonly, but it can refer to energy systems that reuse energy.
What does it mean to absorb in a physical context?
It means to take in substances, energy, or forces, such as light or impact.
How does reabsorption function in human physiology?
It involves organs like the kidneys recovering water and nutrients from waste.
What are examples of materials that absorb sound?
Acoustic panels and insulating foams are common sound-absorbing materials.
How can cities improve their ability to absorb rainwater?
Through permeable pavements and enhanced drainage systems.
What is a common use of absorb in education?
It refers to the process of learning and understanding new information.
Does reabsorb always involve a previous release by the same system?
Typically, yes, it involves taking back substances or energy initially released by the system.
How do plants reabsorb nutrients?
Plants reabsorb nutrients through processes like leaf reabsorption before they shed them.
What does it mean when someone is described as easily absorbed?
It indicates they can quickly become deeply engaged or interested in activities or subjects.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
